Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Stacey McGowan Obituary
Stacey S. McGowan was known for her hugs ‹ just part of a comfortable feeling she engendered that a friend chose to call "Staciness."
"Hers was a hug that would essentially render every other hug you'll ever receive in your life a complete insult to hugging," said the friend, Patrick Corry, in a eulogy.
Tom McGowan, her husband, elaborated from their home in Basking Ridge, N.J.: "She made those around her feel better about themselves and the life they're in, just through the enjoyment of them, you know?"
Stacey Sennas McGowan, 38, a managing director for Sandler O'Neill Partners, was president of her class each year at Nyack High School and played for its varsity lacrosse team and later, for Boston College.
It was at college that Tom McGowan, now an executive in foreign exchange marketing for Reuters, first saw her and fell in love. They were married nearly 10 years ago and had two daughters, Ryan, 5, and Casey, 4. "She had no pretensions and she loved life every day," he said. "She was just warm and giving and happy and funny, proud, strong and graceful. I never met a saint, but this girl certainly was a saint."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Matt ONeill
September 11, 2024
Stacey was one of the brightest lights I have ever seen. I have spent many nights since we lost her, looking up at the stars and finding her sparkle. She shared that sparkle with everyone she met.
Sande Pascale
September 11, 2024
I still remember.
Sande Pascale
September 11, 2021
I still remember, Stacy. RIP
Matt O'Neill
September 12, 2020
Whenever I think of Stacey, I picture that smile.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jeff Hargiss
September 11, 2020
Here we are in 2020 and I wanted the McGowan family & her many friends to know that I have a flag pole dedicated to Stacey. This flag pole was part of a display years ago in Forest Park in St. Louis, MO. Today I have this flag pole is standing proud outside my rural home in southern IL. I posted a pic on instagram, just search for #staceymcgowan
Sande Pascale
September 11, 2020
I still remember, Stacey.
JUAN KOURI
January 23, 2020
Still in our hearts Stace.
January 22, 2020
I'm sorry you died on 9/11.
Alex
September 11, 2016
I"m sorry for the loss of this awesome hugger. The world could certainly use more hugs and smiles.
Matt O'Neill
September 10, 2016
I still cannot believe that Stacey was taken from us. Way too soon. She was sunshine; her smile and just her being was infectious. I will never forget her. Stacey meant so much to so many people.
S J. Friscia III
October 16, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
September 11, 2013
God Bless Stacey, you are not forgotten...
Elynn Weisberg
September 11, 2013
I miss you Stacey. You were so much fun! I have so many fun memories of living together in Hoboken together. I will always know you were one of the most awesome people I have ever had the honor of meeting! Thanks for the recipe for that Vodka Sauce :)! God Bless you always.
September 11, 2013
God bless you.
Matt O'Neill
September 10, 2013
I think of Stacey often, especially when I look in the sky at night. I always pray to her at the brightest star. I will always remember.
Juan Kouri
May 18, 2012
Stace, my little fracas. I miss u!!!!
Wally Petry
September 11, 2011
Stacey, you are missed. I remember our chats and phone calls, I cannot believe you have been gone 10 years, God Bless.
Stacy Koonce
September 11, 2011
With the 10th anniversary of America's most tragic event in history, I was asked by a member of Facebook, to honor a victim from the horrific attack. I chose Stacey, honestly at first it was because of us sharing our first names, but as I read about her the more I learned what a wonderful and caring person she was. It has been a true honor for me to take a glimpse into her life and see first hand how much love and admiration her family and friends continue to have for her. Though her life ended tragically that September morning, she will forever dwell in the hearts of those who knew her, as well as those that never met her but feel as though they had. May God hold her in His arms, and bless her family forever.
Matt O'Neill
September 9, 2011
10 years....it still seems like yesterday. Stacey was the coolest. She brought the best out in people. I miss her so much. I still look up to the stars and talk to her. A Stacey memory that I think of often, is sharing a "chocolate bag" dessert with her. I forget the name of the restaurant, but she picked it. I know that I am not alone in missing Stace....
September 23, 2010
Stacey, You are still thought of and missed very much. Wally
Ryan Barger
September 20, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ryan
Jane LaGennusa
September 11, 2010
Stacey, I can still hear your voice. I can hear the way you'd say Hi-ey Jaa-nie. And when I hear it I feel your beautiful spirit. It eminated from you and engulfed all those around you. Stacey, nothing has changed. It still does. You are wonderful and unforgettable.
Marjorie Diefenbach
September 5, 2009
Stacey,
You will never be forgotten. Knowing you in school and knowing what happened to you and so many others still brings tears to my eyes.I pray for you & your family and know that one day you will all be together again. May God grant peace and comfort to everyone.
Marjorie
John and Dominique McKinney
September 11, 2008
Stacey,
You are still so much in our hearts and so often in our thoughts. Not just today, but all days.
We miss you,
Wally Petry
September 11, 2007
Stacey,
Six years have passed since you left us, I was home in May and attended the Lacrosse game which is played in your honor, brought back some great memories. God Bless you and your wonderful family.
P Tabbernor
December 27, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 15, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Michael Pearman
September 8, 2006
Stacey just thinking about the fun year i had working with you in London.The Lady with the permanent smile on her face! God Bless you Stacey,and all your family.
Matt ONeill
March 17, 2004
Tom,
I still think about Stacey often. When I'm walking my dogs at night, I look up at the stars and look for the brightest one and that is Stacey. I know she is watching over us all. She was the best friend anyone could ask for. She always made me smile, with "hey buddy".... I will never forget her. I pray for you and the girls often.
Peace. -Matt
Marci
December 13, 2002
I received a Mercy BAND with Stacey's name on it as a Christmas gift last year. It is such a thoughtful way of remembering all those lost on 9/11. I just wanted her family to know that I am bearing Stacey's name daily and that she and they are in my thoughts and prayers often. I never knew her but I can tell just by reading these entries she was a wonderful woman, one who is greatly missed. How comforting it is to know that she touched so many lives while she was living, and that she is in a better place now. For as long as I live she will be remembered daily.
Juani Kouri
October 15, 2002
We miss you and remember all the great times. You are a true FRACAS, Juani
David White
October 14, 2002
30 years later, Stacey, and you're still the little kid with the huge grin. Your smile will always be with us.
Juan C. del Pino
October 13, 2002
Tom, it was very nice to share those special times we had while in college and after. Stacey was a big part of that group (Yourself, Juani, Sean, Mandy ...)which always held together even after college. You and Stacey will be one forever. God bless you and your children.
Juanqui (Juani's cousin)
Barb Cross
September 10, 2002
To Stacey's family
Our son-in-law is a teacher of 7th graders in Salem Oregon. As a project for his students to understand the impact of the 9/11 loss, he had each of his student's make a flag with a name of a victim. When they were finished, students could take home a flag to honor a person. Stacey's flag was with our family at Thanksgiving and Christmas 2001. We will continue to bring her flag to our table so our children and our grandchildren will never forget. She has touched our lives - and now your family is a part of our family. Wishing you healing energy and peace.
Erin Hughes\age 12
May 12, 2002
Stacey,
Happy Mothers Day
Angie Campbell
May 7, 2002
May God Bless you and the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in peace forever more. We will never forget.
Jeff Johnston
March 28, 2002
STACE !!!!
I think of you often, and can picture your smiling face when I close my eyes. You had a profound influence on all those that had the good fortune to call you a friend...I count myself amongst them. Your confidence, generosity, warmth, and love of life is reflected in us all.
Tom, Ryebread and Case; my thoughts and prayers are with you daily.
JJ
March 5, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL WOMAN...STACEY S.MCGOWAN AND MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS AND ALL HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Emma Kidd
February 22, 2002
I was lucky enough to meet Stacey through friends in CT. I didn't know her long or very well, but my memories are of a person who was loving, giving, happy, and caring - a truly genuine person. I wish I'd known her longer and better. My heart goes out to Tom, Ryan and Casey for not having her in their lives anymore. She is sadly missed.
Emily
February 16, 2002
I received a mercy band in the mail the other day with Stacey's name on it. I will proudly wear it. I'm praying for the family and the nation.
Tony King
February 7, 2002
Tom , it was such a pleasure to meet Stacey and yourself while you were in London. She really was a very special lady.
Tony King
Commerzbank International S.A. Luxembourg
MICHAEL PEARMAN
January 15, 2002
I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH STACEY DURING HER BRIEF STAY WITH SGST IN LONDON.A LOVELY LADY WHO WILL BE VERY SADLY MISSED BY EVERYONE WHO HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING HER.
alexa le goff
January 14, 2002
Stacey taught me to love without limits. She was truly a good, lovable woman and mother.Her babies and herself were the best things that ever happened to me and my stay among them has affected my life for ever. I will never forget you Stace. Love, Alexa
Teresa Jahn
December 22, 2001
What a wonderful, warm, caring smile Stacey has in the picture you have shared with us. Such a smile and her heart hugs can only be a true reflection of her heart that sounds like it was filled with love of life, family and friends. We are very sorry for your loss of Stacey. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Paul Fumando
November 16, 2001
a truly beautiful person..i always told you Tom you were a lucky man.....we all were, that knew Stacy
Karen Marner
November 13, 2001
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My brother, Jamie, thought the world of Stacey. He has been blessed by this special friend in his life. May you and your family have peace of mind and remember the wonderful person she was.
Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results
Make a Donation
in Stacey McGowan's name
How to support Stacey's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Stacey McGowan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored